Catholic Mobilizing Network Celebrates Pope Francis’ Recent Statements Against the Death Penalty
Catholic Mobilizing Network Celebrates Pope Francis’ Recent Statements Against the Death Penalty
Washington, DC – On Wednesday, while speaking on the 25th anniversary of the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis chose to make an unequivocal statement: The death penalty… “is, in itself, contrary to the Gospel” and that it “heavily wounds human dignity.” Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN), the national Catholic organization working to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice, is hopeful that this proclamation will reinforce and clarify the Church’s consistent pro-all-life teaching.
Karen Clifton, Executive Director of CMN stated, “Catholic Mobilizing Network appreciates Pope Francis’ strong condemnation of the use of the death penalty. In his definitive and clear statement, Pope Francis has once and for all declared the death penalty ‘inadmissible.’ Lifting up the gospel message of mercy and reconciliation, the Pope has reminded us that the death penalty is contrary to our understanding of human dignity.”
At the intersection of this week in October when the international community celebrates World Day Against the Death Penalty and the Catholic Church celebrates Respect LIfe Month, Pope Francis’ affirmation of the need to end the death penalty proves timely.
“The Catholic Church has long been against the death penalty, and Pope Francis’ latest statement reinforces the Church’s consistently pro-life ethic. The Pope’s words invite us all to listen to the movement of the Spirit and awaken our moral opposition to the death penalty,” Clifton remarked.
Clifton further emphasized the impact of the Pope’s words, “Pope Francis has given us a clear and concrete directive to work to end the death penalty. In stark contrast, last night the state of Texas executed Robert Pruett. Nine more executions in the U.S. are scheduled before the year’s end. Catholic Mobilizing Network urges all Catholics and people of goodwill to sign the National Catholic Pledge to End the Death Penalty and educate, advocate, and pray for an end to the death penalty.”
More information about the National Catholic Pledge to End the Death Penalty as well as Catholic Mobilizing Network can be found at catholicsmobilizing.org.
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Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN), working in close collaboration with United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and as a sponsored ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph, proclaims the Church’s pro-life teaching and prepares Catholics for informed involvement in the public debate to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice.